Published in:

Open Access 10-12-2024 | Magnetic Resonance Imaging | Original Article

Children Centered Care: child and parent perspectives on a multi-faceted concept for magnetic resonance imaging without anesthesia – a survey

Authors: Stine Bjerrum Runge, Helle Precht, Ib Erik Jensen, Kim Jensen, Tine Abildgaard Johannesen, Malene Roland Vils Pedersen, Nicolaj Lyhne Christensen

Published in: Pediatric Radiology | Issue 2/2025

Abstract

Background

Anxiety-provoking healthcare procedures require specific child-friendly approaches. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can cause anxiety for children and general anesthesia (GA) is often used. We developed and tested a multi-faceted child-friendly concept, Children Centered Care, for MRI of children without GA.

Objective

To investigate children’s and parents’ individual experiences with the concept using a survey. The main aim was to evaluate comfort for children and sense of security for parents during unsedated MRI.

Materials and methods

In this prospective study of 265 children aged 4–10 years enrolled in 2016 and 2017, the Children Centered Care concept is compared to a standard setup. The concept included an interactive app, trained pediatric radiographers, a children’s lounge with a toy-scanner, and a child-friendly multimedia environment in the scanner room. A 25-item survey was used including a mix of open and closed questions, free text, and a visual analogue scale to evaluate self-reported child comfort.

Results

A total of 154 children were included in the Children Centered Care group and 111 in the standard group. Overall, the mean age was 8.5 years (range 4.0–10.9 years).

With Children Centered Care, child comfort increased (88% vs. 77%), P = 0.02. The app and toy-scanner were popular among children. More parents felt “very much” prepared (80% vs. 57%), P < 0.01, and “very much” secure (92% vs. 79%), P < 0.01.

Conclusion

With the use of a multi-faceted, child-friendly concept, MRI without GA is a feasible first choice for children aged 4–10 years, with high levels of comfort for children and parents.

Graphical Abstract

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Title: Children Centered Care: child and parent perspectives on a multi-faceted concept for magnetic resonance imaging without anesthesia – a survey
Authors: Stine Bjerrum Runge
Helle Precht
Ib Erik Jensen
Kim Jensen
Tine Abildgaard Johannesen
Malene Roland Vils Pedersen
Nicolaj Lyhne Christensen
Publication date: 10-12-2024
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Anxiety
General Anesthesia
Published in: Pediatric Radiology / Issue 2/2025
Print ISSN: 0301-0449
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1998
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-024-06111-3

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Abstract

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Objective

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

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